ARTIST BIO
FROM EAST TEXAS TO THE BAY AREA
Dedrick Weathersby a Longview Texas native. A 2021 Broadway World Awards Winner in multiple categories for Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown. As a child, his dream was to become a professional actor/singer and impact the world and his community through his storytelling, charitable giving and music. Not an overnight success, Years and Goals later, he's living that dream, his younger self spoke about, paying it forward and still has more to do. Dedrick is a card holder for Actors Equity Union, a union for professional stage actors, SAG-AFTRA a union for film/television and Dramatist Guild Union, for Playwrights.
The proud Founder and Executive Director of Super Bad Theater Company and Weathersby Productions LLC/Publishing.
Dedrick released his second album titled "5 Minutes Til Places" (Songs of Broadway); available on all streaming platforms, This album is a personal tribute to Broadway shows that are near and dear to Dedrick's heart and his career,
Dedrick is an accomplished author of 5 published books, his most recent literary success would be "Fabrics" a 20 day affirmation book. Dedrick is a firm believer, if you remember those humble beginnings, you can use each moment for future endeavors and "You can't lose giving to others".
Dedrick debuted 'Remembering James'- The Life and Music of James Brown in February 2019 with the collaboration of Boxcar Theatre and the Creators of Speakeasy San Francisco. The show Embarked on a National Tour from 2019-2020 (Pre-Pandemic) and performed over 50 Shows in 10 states. Dedrick is forever thankful for Boxcar Theatre for taking a chance on this production when noone else would.
"I can’t say enough good things about Dedrick Weathersby as James Early. Better than fantastic, phenomenal. Think the looks and presence of Denzel Washington, with the voice and moves of James Brown."
Greg Schaper - Professional Critic Reviewer in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area
“James “Thunder” Early, played with exceptional energy and presence by Dedrick Weathersby of San Francisco, whose star turn is initially backed by the Dreamettes but eventually spirals down to a manic — yet constantly watchable — washout performer.”
Praise from fans for Remembering James:
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“We have seen James Brown perform and Dedrick Weathersby has him down.”
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“Weathersby’s performance was spot on and fantastic.”
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“The band was great and there wasn’t a song that I would want to have hear that they missed.”
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“If you are a James Brown fan and even if you’re not you should see this show.”
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“Highly recommend and the guy who plays James Brown (Dedrick Weathersby) is definitely a talent you dont want to miss, his band is awesome as well.”
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“Weathersby’s Brown is so on-point and real, I used Shazam to see if James Brown would show up as the performer of the songs because Weathersby nailed it.” —Reelkev Arts
ABOUT
'Remembering James' - The Life and Music of James Brown (Musical) a fast paced theatrical production, telling the story of the man and artist, known as James Joseph Brown Jr. This show takes place at the start of Mr. Browns career (1951), through the eyes of long-time friend Bobby Byrd, to the end of a year where grief struck the nation (1968). This show runs approximately 1-hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. This show includes a 8-piece band, background vocals, 2 actors/ 1 actress, male/female dancers and a cape man.
BACKGROUND
As a professional stage actor, Dedrick was given continuous critiques of being the hardest working performer in each show, while saying "Is he a true triple threat"?. After Dedrick’s first round of Dreamgirls the Broadway musical, he started to embark on the history of James Joseph Brown Jr. His start was in a karaoke bar in El Cerrito CA, where he stunned the patrons with “I feel Good” and later singing “This is a Man’s World”. By the crowds reaction and the approval from the owners, Dedrick knew he had something special. Dedrick hired a vocal coach to assist with different vocal techniques, which is required to sing various James Brown songs. He began writing the One Man Show, which would later transition into a full 90 minute musical incorporating other characters in 2013 but didn’t complete until 2017. After receiving the Rights and License to James Brown's cataloged songs, Dedrick went into the studio and began recording with Timeless Studios out of Cincinnati Ohio, which would be titled the “Remembering James” album. a fun fact, the show was originally titled "The Godfather" but changed after the studio recorded EP. Dedrick lives and rehearses with a certain phrase from the late Great James Brown “You can’t kill a man with SOUL”. Dedrick guarantees to give 220% each time he touches the stage, no matter the size and just like James Brown; he expects nothing less from those whom is around him.
Historical Events Covered:
Lyndon B Johnson Presidency
Vietnam War
Civil Rights Act
Voting Rights Act
Bloody Sunday
Assassination of Dr. King